ABOUT US
When women lead, societies thrive.
Catalyzing a new generation of young women to rise as confident leaders, transforming communities and breaking barriers.
OUR HOW
Ascend co creates multidimensional programs that provide the tools and skills necessary for lifelong confidence and leadership.
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Mountaineering & Physical Fitness
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Leadership & Entrepreneurship
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Mental Health
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Community Engagement
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Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
Ascend works at the critical frontlines in the fight for women’s safety, autonomy, and potential—changing lives today in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and preparing to empower girls wherever the need arises tomorrow.
Since 2021, over 3 million girls in Afghanistan have been denied access to education. In Pakistan, 90% of women feel unsafe in public spaces. We are rewriting this story.
OUR WHY
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
-BBC
“Team Ascend.. determined to conquer Afghanistan's highest peak.. a big enough challenge for experienced mountaineers, their goal is made that much harder as they have to climb and train in secret.”
“People feel that women are not supposed to be mountain climbing, women are not supposed to go out of the house and we are changing this stereotype.”
“These women [are] helping to create an Afghan narrative of mountaineering that, above all, valued their own ideas of freedom—both on the mountains and off.”
“Ascend has taught me to follow my dreams”
-Zahra, Ascend Alumnae
